Tampa Expungement Attorney

How to Seal Your Criminal Record in Florida

If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime in the past, you are likely still feeling the weight of a criminal record. Although you may have served your time and paid your fines, some would say the aftermath is worse because of the marks on your criminal record. You could lose your job or find it extremely difficult to get a job that pays more than minimum wage. However, you may be able to have your record expunged or sealed.

In Florida, an "expungement" or "record sealing" allows you to have certain records hidden or removed from your history. While your record will never be permanently erased, having it expunged means that, for example, the public will no longer have access to your records. So, an employer or potential employer would not be able to view your criminal record when conducting a background check. 

Continue reading to learn more, or contact the experienced Tampa expungement attorney at The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk for a free consultation. Call (813) 321-7323.

Expungement FAQ

How Are Sealing & Expunging Your Record Different?

The criteria for sealing are different than for expunging. § 943.0585 of the Florida Statutes lays out the rules for court-ordered expunction, while § 943.059 of the Florida Statutes describes court-ordered sealing of criminal history records. The significant difference is that the public no longer has access to your criminal records with sealing, but some governmental agencies still do. For instance, if you apply for a position with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, that agency could see your criminal record in full.   

However, with an expungement, even governmental agencies would not have open access to your criminal record. (They could still see that you have a record, but they wouldn't be able to see any of the details.)

Who Is Eligible for Record Sealing?

Record sealing is intended for individuals who were charged but never adjudicated guilty. This means their charges were dropped or the case was dismissed. Even in these cases, that person would still have a criminal history (§ 943.053(3)). Their record of arrest, fingerprinting, and any charges are still public, easily found by anyone who conducts a simple search online for a criminal record. Record sealing would fix that.

Can I Get My Records Sealed More Than Once?

No. One of the requirements for obtaining a record sealing or expungement is that you have never previously obtained an expungement or had your criminal records sealed. You may be able to get multiple arrest records expunged, but only if the court believes they are related. Every case is different, so ask your attorney what applies.

Ask Our Tampa Expungement Lawyer About Your Options

If you want to have your record sealed or expunged, please contact The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk for insight from a trusted criminal defense lawyer. We offer a free initial evaluation of your case and can draw upon over two decades of experience representing thousands of clients. We can advise you on your legal rights and options. Should you retain our law firm, we can guide you through the record sealing process.

Expungement gives a person the opportunity to clear their criminal record, which can positively affect virtually every area of their life. Now is your chance to learn more about the Florida expungement process, what to expect, and whether you may qualify.

Contact our firm at (813) 321-7323 for a free, confidential consultation with an expungement attorney in Tampa.